Iraqi forces advance into IS-held Ramadi

Dec 22, Baghdad: Iraqi government forces have advanced into the centre of the city of Ramadi, which is controlled by jihadist group Islamic State (IS), news reports said.

Troops and militiamen, supported by the air force, were clearing residential areas said a spokesman for the Counter-Terrorism Service, Sabah al-
Numani. They were heading towards the main government complex, he added.

Ramadi, about 90km (55 miles) west of Baghdad, fell to IS in May in an embarrassing defeat for the Iraqi army.

According to news reports, last month, government forces completed their encirclement of the city, cutting off militants inside the centre from their strongholds elsewhere in Anbar province.

The army's chief of staff Lt Gen Othman al-Ghanemi told state TV on Monday that the "storming of the city of Ramadi, as well as cleansing operations against IS elements" was imminent.